Oral airway dam



ov 9, 1937. J. P. HENAHAN ORAL AIRWAY DA M Filed Dec. 7, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet l Nov. 9, 1937. J. HENAHAN ORAL AIRWAY DAM Filed Dec. 7, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Inventor (7556 02 7? #972323 6 Attorney Patented Nov. 9, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFIGE 3 Claims.

This invention appertains to new and useful improvements in surgical appliances.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a dam or obstruction for disposition in the dorsum of the mouth so that during the administration of general anesthesia the patient is compelled to breathe through his nose.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a dam of the character stated which is of low cost to manufacture.

Other important objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to the reader of the following specification.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 represents a fragmentary vertical sectional view through a human head showing the dam in inactive position.

Figure 2 represents a perspective view of the dam.

Figure 3 represents a top plan view of the device.

Figure 4 is an end elevational view of the device.

Figure 5 is a cross sectional view on the line 55 of Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a perspective view looking at the back side of the dam and showing the breather tube.

Referring to the drawings wherein like numerals designate like parts, it can be seen in Figure 1, that numeral 5 generally refers to a human head in section, numeral 6 generally referring to the dam which is constructed of sponge rubber or other suitable material and as is shown in Figure 3 is of arcuate extent, the same tapering rearwardly as is clearly suggested in Figures 4 and 5. This dam otherwise conforms with the dorsal region of the mouth and may include as a special feature a funnel-shaped extension 1 secured to the rear side thereof, so that in extraordinary conditions a clear passageway for breathing will be maintained. It is desirable that this funnel-like structure 1 be provided with a descending tube 8.

Sponge rubber is employed for the reason that it will not injure the delicate tissues of the throat and pallet and will not cause abrasions of these surfaces as gauze sometimes does. Furthermore, it does not cause coughing or gagging to the same extent as when gauze is employed.

It is to be observed that the device is to be used by dentists and surgeons as an aid in the maintenance of general anesthesia induced by nitrous oxide, oxygen, or any other evanescent gas. Its use in the mouth of an anesthetized patient will facilitate breathing through the nasal air passages by preventing breathing through the open mouth. In producing this result, it prevents dilution of the anesthetic gas with atmosphere and consequent interference with the anesthetic state.

In consequence, it permits maintenance of an even stage of anesthesia permitting greater eiiicacy as an aid to the surgical procedure, and at the same time eliminating causes of possible danger. Its principal field for use will be by the dentist in extraction cases under gas, or for surgery on parts of the mouth, when the anesthetic must be administered entirely through the nose.

Furthermore, the device affords protection against foreign matter of any kind entering the air passages or lungs.

It is desirable that the device be constructed of spongy rubber or any soft and resilient rubber or any felt-like resilient material.

The device is of such form and shape as to conform in a general Way to the anatomical formation of the dorsum of the mouth, tongue and soft palate. Its soft resiliency permits contact with those parts without scraping or abrading the delicate membranes while its size and shape prevents it from slipping backward and obstructing the pharynx. It completely arrests the fiow of air through the open mouth of the throat.

The form of the invention shown in Figure 6 incorporates a. breather tube 8 on the distal surface constructed of non-collapsible rubber tubing and. having a funnel-shaped formation at its upper approach which as shown in Figure 6 is denoted by the numeral 7. Under certain conditions this tube will help maintain a free airway from the nose to the windpipe.

While the foregoing specification sets forth the invention in specific terms, it is to be understood that numerous changes in the shape, size and material may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed hereinafter.

What is claimed is:-

1. A mouth dam of the character described comprising a body of resilient material and of a shape conforming with the construction of the dorsum portion of the mouth, said body being provided with a vertically disposed tube at the rear side thereof.

2. A mouth dam of the character described comprising a body of resilient material and of a shape conforming with the construction of the dorsum portion of the mouth, said body being provided with a vertically disposed tube at the rear side thereof, terminating at its upper end in the form of a funnel.

3. A mouth dam comprising a. body of resilient material and of a shape conforming with the formation of the dorsum portion of the month, said body being provided at its rear side with a posterior extending reduced portion.

JOSEPH P. HENAHAN. 

